Island of Hawaii, big island. Hawaiian Islands

Hardly anyone would call the USA an exotic country, but Hawaii, which is one of its states, is a real realm of exoticism with slender palm trees, outlandish flowers and an indescribable atmosphere of an eternal holiday.

Moreover, nature and civilization have reached real harmony here: most of the inhabitants speak English, cellular communication has excellent quality, American dollars are in use, and fashionable restaurants and hotels are found everywhere. Thus, in Hawaii, literally every traveler can feel like in paradise, because the main wealth of the islands is soft sand, inviting ocean, tropical palm trees, as well as exotic birds and flowers.

In addition, the distinctive feature of the islands is a carefree life and an endless festive atmosphere. Perhaps that is why the most common word here has become " aloha”, which means greeting, farewell, love and joy. Well, another of the main advantages of the Hawaiian Islands is their diversity: they all differ from each other in landscape, vegetation and degree of urbanization. Thus, the recreation options here are extremely diverse, which will undoubtedly please even the most demanding travelers.

Capital	Honolulu
Population	1,275,000 (2005)
Population density	7, 634 person/m2
	English
Religion	Protestantism prevails
Form of government	presidential republic
	$ (US dollar)
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

Hawaii is dominated by a maritime tropical climate, which determines the weather conditions of the islands. The year here is conditionally divided into two main seasons: winter (October - April) and summer (May - September). In winter, the air temperature fluctuates between +18...+21 °C, and in summer it is approximately +29...+32 °C. In mountainous areas, the temperature is usually lower, and sometimes even snow falls. Most of the precipitation falls during the winter months, with occasional hurricanes from May to September.

The best time to visit the Hawaiian Islands is summer season, although you can literally swim at any time of the year, since the temperature of coastal waters here is always kept within +23 ... +28 ° C.

Nature

The Hawaiian Islands lie in the western hemisphere of the globe, right in the center Pacific Ocean . They are the longest chain of islands in the world, which consists of 8 large and more than 130 small islands, as well as atolls and reefs.

Hawaii is a volcanic island that resulted from numerous eruptions of underwater volcanoes. Thus, all the volcanoes and mountains of the islands are the tops of underwater mountain ranges. The highest mountains and volcanoes are located on the island Hawaii, including extinct volcano Mauna Kea(4205 m) and active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa.

Sharp changes in relief contributed to the fact that there are a fairly large number of waterfalls on the islands. Highest Kahiva waterfall(533 m) is located on the island of Molokai. But freshwater rivers on the islands are not common, of which the largest is Cauconahua river(53 km).

The Hawaiian Islands are lush tropical forests rich in fauna, magnificent sandy beaches, lush gardens, mountain gorges and stepped canyons, waterfalls, mountain valleys and plantations.

Attractions

The main island of Hawaii is Oahu on which the capital city of Honolulu is located. The main attraction of this city is Iolani Palace, which is famous for being the only royal palace in the United States. Also worth highlighting:

• Monument to King Kamehameha and Queen Liliokalani,
• Senate Building,
• kawaiahao church,
• governor's residence
• famous Waikiki beach.

In addition, the most important historical building of the island is the legendary Naval Base Pearl Harbor, which is now memorial complex. It also deserves the attention of tourists. Cultural Center of Polynesia, consisting of seven themed villages, where unique performances with incendiary dances take place in national costumes and reveal secrets ancient civilization. In addition, the island of Oahu is famous for the fact that the famous TV series Lost was filmed on it.

Active Hawaiian volcanoes are of particular interest, so many viewing platforms and observatories have been built on the islands to observe them, and roads and hiking trails have been laid to extinct volcanoes. The volcanoes on the island of Hawaii (Kilauea and Manua Loa) are the most famous. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see boiling lava flowing into the ocean.

If we talk about other islands, then it is worth highlighting the island Kauai, where there are beautiful waterfalls and colorful canyons. Moreover, this is the first Hawaiian island visited by the famous Captain Cook, so the place where he first stepped ashore is marked with a monument. Also among the most visited places of this island it is worth noting:

• Russian Fort Elizabeth,
• Waimea Canyon,
• ocean geyser Spouting Horn,
• Hawaiian Hula Temple.

Nutrition

The Hawaiian Islands have a great variety of restaurants and cafes where you can taste both international and local cuisine, which is a mixture of Pacific and American traditions. The main products that are present in almost every menu here are seafood, chicken meat, vegetables and fruits. Recognized as the pearl of Hawaiian cuisine blue marlin, whose white meat is considered very valuable. Most often it is baked with garlic sauce and served chopped on long skewers. The invariable items on the menu of any Hawaiian restaurant are " lomilomi"(raw chopped salmon)," laulau» (steamed fish), squid rolls, crab cocktails with lemon and spices, and battered sea scallops. The traditional dish of the islands is Liau". It is a whole pig, which is cooked in a special pit with hot stones. Moreover, initially the process of eating such a dish was supposed to take place at sunset and be accompanied by national dances. Now, of course, this happens only during local holidays.

Speaking of Hawaiian cuisine, one cannot fail to mention taro, from the tubers and leaves of which mashed potatoes and other side dishes are prepared here. Also interesting is the spicy Hawaiian onion, which is added to almost all side dishes for fish and meat.

Well, the main dessert in Hawaii is tropical fruits - both quite familiar and unusual, like passion fruit which looks like a small watermelon. It is also recommended to try the delicious coconut cakes and guava cake.

The choice of drinks is also very wide, but most often they offer black coffee, fruit juices, light wines, rum and all kinds of cocktails, for example, mai tai.

Accommodation

In the Hawaiian Islands, the classification of hotels is different from what we are used to - the number of stars on the facade does not always correspond to general standards. Due to high competition and a large number of hotels, the cost of living here depends directly on the quality of service and the list of services provided. However, in most hotels, regardless of class, there is a round-the-clock reception desk, TV, telephone, safe, air conditioning, refrigerator and swimming pool. Otherwise, the level of the hotel depends on its location, design, size, type of furniture and quality of service, as well as the availability of restaurants, bars, etc. The cost of rooms often depends on the view from the window.

There are no all-inclusive hotels in Hawaii. The most common so-called resorts, which are large hotels with restaurants, swimming pools and parks (from $200 per day). If you wish, you can easily find a mid-range hotel or rent an apartment (from $150 per day).

Entertainment and recreation

The most important occupation in the Hawaiian Islands is idle rest for your own pleasure: sunbathing, swimming, going to restaurants, dancing until the morning and the like. The most suitable place for such a pastime are the golden beaches with turquoise water, which are surrounded by majestic mountains, green canyons and tropical vegetation with enchanting waterfalls. Moreover, there are both wild beaches and fully equipped ones (with umbrellas, sun loungers, small cafes, showers and toilets). Also, almost all beaches have the opportunity to go surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, water skiing, parasailing and other water sports. In addition, the amazing beauty of the underwater world attracts a large number of divers here. Fishing in the open ocean is no less popular in Hawaii.

Among other active forms of entertainment, cycling, golf, horseback riding and tennis are most often offered, as well as excursions inland and ecotourism in tropical rainforests.

The smallest tourists also have something to do here: there are special kindergartens at the hotels, where children are taught how to make decorations from flowers and shells, various games and Hawaiian dances. Well, fans of nightlife are advised to go to large settlements, where a great variety of restaurants, nightclubs and bars are open.

In addition, Hawaii is famous for its bright and colorful holidays. And here they celebrate not only American holidays, but also their own:

• Day of the official entry of Hawaii into the United States,
• King Kamehameha I Day,
• Prince John Kuhio Day KA,
• King Kamehameha I Day,
• Day of Prince John Kuhio Kalanianoole and many others.

Purchases

Hawaiian cities have a great variety of shops and large shopping centers, where literally everything is sold - from clothes of famous brands to art objects. Moreover, for lovers of shopping, there is the greatest selection of all kinds of souvenirs, as well as ethnic jewelry and outfits. For example, in almost every store you can buy a traditional Hawaiian shirt or muumuu(Hawaiian dress). Jewelry, ceramics, nuts, coffee and exotic fruits are also in demand.

It is worth noting that in Hawaii, as in other US states, there are strict rules for the sale of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, alcohol can be bought only in those outlets that have a special license. In other places, only beer is sold. Also, tourists should note that in all Hawaiian stores, the cost of goods is indicated without taxes.

Most shops are open from Monday to Friday, although some of them are open seven days a week and around the clock.

Transport

All international flights are operated by the main Hawaii International Airport which is located in Honolulu. In addition, some American companies provide flights to the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii. There are also ferries between the islands. You can move from one settlement to another by buses and cars.

It is worth saying that public transport is not developed on all islands. For example, on the Big Island, the only bus runs once a day. However, according to big cities bus schedules are more convenient. Moreover, the fare for this type of transport is quite low ($ 1). In addition, tourist buses run through large settlements. Also, if you wish, you can always use the services of a taxi, but here it is quite expensive.

The most common transport in Hawaii is a car, as local highways allow you to get to almost any settlement. What's more, car rentals in Hawaii are the cheapest in the US (about $20 per day). In order to rent a car, a driver's license is required and the driver must be at least 21 years old.

Connection

Communication on the islands is excellently developed, any call here can always be made from one of the pay phones that are installed everywhere. They work from telephone cards sold in all supermarkets, shops and street kiosks. In addition, many bars and restaurants have telephones from which you can also call anywhere in the world, but in this case, the cost of negotiations will be much more expensive.

Mobile communication in Hawaii is of excellent quality and covers almost the entire territory of the islands, and international roaming is available to all subscribers of major foreign operators.

The Internet on the islands is quite widespread, and most rooms in Hawaiian hotels are provided with round-the-clock access to the network. In addition, many public places have Wi-Fi hotspots.

Safety

The crime rate in Hawaii is very low, and the islanders are considered to be some of the warmest and friendliest people in the world. Of course, crimes sometimes happen here, but mostly they are petty thefts. Thus, for personal safety, it is sufficient to observe only general precautions. Also, do not underestimate the strength of the currents and neglect safety while swimming.

From a medical point of view, the Hawaiian Islands are also an absolutely safe place.

Business climate

In Hawaii, the basis of economic and business life is international tourism and the service sector. This is explained by the presence of a huge number of resorts, historical sites and national parks. In addition, the Hawaiian Islands are the main transportation hub in the northern Pacific region, through which strategically important routes pass. They connect Canada and the US to East Asia, New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines.

Real estate

The Hawaiian real estate market is consistently popular with both US residents and foreigners. The main factor that determines its cost is the location: the closer to the coast, the more expensive.

It is worth noting that literally over the past few years, the average price for houses here has increased by 18%, and for apartments - by 35%. Moreover, a fall in prices is not expected in the near future, and many analysts predict further growth.

You can't visit Hawaii and not become a member luau, which is included in the mandatory program of any tourist. It is an original way of celebrating various events (birthday, graduation, big harvest, winning a competition, meeting guests, etc.). Usually, its program includes ethnic dances and various games, as well as a real feast with the best local dishes. And Hawaiian luau so interesting and bright that often tourists come just for him.

Visa information

To travel to the Hawaiian Islands, all Russian citizens need a tourist visa.

It can be issued at the American Embassy in Moscow (Novinsky Boulevard, 21), and also in Consulates General in St. Petersburg (Furshtatskaya st., 15), Yekaterinburg (Gogol st., 15) And Vladivostok (Pushkinskaya st., 32).

The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of 8 amazing islands that every tourist dreams of visiting. Over 7 million people visit this true tropical paradise in the middle of the North Pacific every year. Hawaii is the 50th state of the USA.

Capital: Honolulu

Official language: English

Currency unit: USD

Climate:

The climate in Hawaii is tropical. It is divided into a dry summer, from May to October, and a rainier winter, from October to April. Temperatures rise to 32°C in summer and 21°C in winter. Hurricanes and storms usually come to this region from June to November.

The average water temperature is +23-28°C all year round, so you can swim here at any time of the year.

Time:

Time difference with Moscow - 13 hours

How to get to the Hawaiian Islands:

It is most convenient to get to Hawaii from Russia by a regular flight to Los Angeles. Then get to Honolulu on the island of Oahu either by plane, it will take about 5 hours, or in 3 days by ocean liner. If you are heading to neighboring islands, then you will get to them on inter-island flights. Flight time from 20 minutes to an hour.

Visa to the Hawaiian Islands

A US visa is required to visit the Hawaiian Islands. List of documents for obtaining a visa to the US Embassy.

• Foreign passport valid for at least 6 months after crossing the state border.
• An old international passport (and its copy), if visas to the USA, Canada, Great Britain have already been opened or a Schengen visa has been affixed.
• On the website of the embassy, ​​fill out an online application form DS-160 separately for each applicant, as well as for the children indicated in the passport.
• Certificate of employment indicating the position, salary, length of service (at least 1 year) with a seal, signature of the head and chief accountant.
• Certificate of income from the place of work (on the letterhead of the organization with a signature and seal) indicating the position, wages and contact details (address, phone number); For temporarily unemployed, it is necessary to provide other documents certifying the solvency of the person - credit cards, bank statements, etc. For children, a birth certificate. For students - a certificate from the place of study.
• Medical insurance policy.
• Reservation / original ticket with fixed dates of arrival and departure

Customs regulations

Before crossing the border, a customs declaration is issued, which must be filled out.

You can carry duty-free:

• A citizen over the age of 21 can carry up to 200 cigarettes (one block) or 50 cigars or tobacco (2 kg).
• 1 liter of alcoholic beverages. Absinthe and drinks containing artemisia absinthium are prohibited for import.
• The amount of imported currency is not limited, but banknotes, checks in excess of $10,000 must be declared.
• Gifts worth up to $100 per person. Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are not included in this type of goods.
• it is allowed to carry items for personal use (photographic equipment, laptops, mobile devices, clothes)
• pets or birds must have an international veterinary certificate with the seal of the veterinary control at the exit from the country of origin. Upon arrival in the Hawaiian Islands, the animals will be quarantined (up to 120 days) and implanted with a microchip issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA).

Prohibited for import:

• Without the appropriate permits from the customs authorities, it is prohibited to import cold and firearms, explosives, drugs, psychotropic substances, certain medicines, agricultural products, fruits, dairy products, toxic substances and poisons, rare animals and birds, products made from them, as well as any extremist materials.

Important! If prohibited items are found on the territory of the United States that are not specified in the declaration, they will be confiscated from their owner, and he will be charged a fine of $ 300.

Transport

The most popular transportation in Hawaii to get to any point of interest or locality on the island is a car. Car rental here is one of the cheapest in the US, but when using this service, remember to comply with traffic rules. If you do not have a driver's license, then take a taxi or take advantage of regular buses.

Between the islands, as a rule, air or sea communication is established. The flight from one island to another does not take even 30 minutes, but tickets are more expensive than the ferry.

Main cities and places of rest:

Largest Islands: Oahu , Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai

Every year, about 7,000,000 people a year come to the resorts of the Hawaiian Islands. Tourists from all over the world are captivated by the variety of types of recreation. After all, each island has its own zest and is interesting in its own way. For example, the island of Maui, rich in its underwater world and strong winds, is simply ideal for diving and windsurfing enthusiasts. The island of Hawaii with its Volcanoes National Park will definitely appeal to hikers. Excellent beaches, picturesque and unique nature, unique national flavor, fashionable restaurants and hotels where you can be offered master classes in cooking Hawaiian cuisine or teach local dances, excellent golf courses, the Hawaiian Islands have everything you need for a perfect vacation .

Attractions

Oahu

The capital of the 50th US state, Honolulu, is located on the south coast of Oahu. In summer, one of the most popular beaches in the world, Waikiki, is a great place to relax. And in winter, when big waves come to the coast, it becomes the world capital of surfing. Attracts the attention of thousands of tourists and the huge volcanic crater Diamond Head, extinct 200,000 years ago. To the west of the city is one of the most famous sights of the island - the harbor of Pearl Harbor with the battleship Arizona. The island is also famous for the fact that it was here that the 44th US President Barack Hussein Obama was born.

HawaiiorBig Island

Considered the most south point United States and, despite the fact that this island is the youngest in the archipelago, the largest island in Hawaii. The fantastically picturesque landscape of the Waipio Valley, five volcanoes, two of which are active, the most high mountain in the world of Mauna Kea, the most beautiful beach in the world Papakolea with a unique green sand color - this island is full of natural attractions that you will remember for a lifetime.

IslandMaui

The next largest island in the archipelago and the second most popular in Hawaii. Arriving on the island, you will be expected to climb to a three-kilometer height of the Haleakal volcanic crater, which is located in the national park, swimming in waterfalls, endlessly beautiful panoramas and sunsets of the Khan coast. You can watch humpback whales on tourist boats, and if you are a fan of surfing and diving, then the kilometer-long sandy beach of Kaanapali and Wailea is at your service.
IslandKauai

The most "Hawaiian" island, which attracts all outdoor enthusiasts from all over the planet. Here you will see sandy beaches, canyons, impenetrable jungles, mountains, mysterious gorges, fertile lands where tropical fruits, coffee and sugar cane are grown. Having visited the island, you simply must make a trip to the second largest canyon in the USA, Waimea, and enjoy the picturesque landscapes of its valleys. It is also worth exploring by helicopter or boat the unique coast of Na Pali with its corrugated rocks, which we saw in the films "King Kong" and "Jurassic Park". Along the way, you will definitely meet dolphins or turtles on the way. And not far from the golden beach "Haena Beach" is a giant cave "Maniniholo dry cave", going deep into several hundred meters. In summer you can enjoy swimming on the tropical reefs, but in winter with its big waves it's great for surfing.

IslandLanai

The island received its second name "Pineapple Island" thanks to the pineapple plantation that previously occupied most of the island. Now its courses are excellent for playing golf. The calm atmosphere of the island pacifies the tourist and immerses him in the unique Hawaiian flavor. By taking a jeep, you can visit the stone Garden of the Gods with a "Martian" landscape, the ruins of the ancient Hawaiian village of Kaunolu, you can also take boat trips to see wild dolphins in Manele Bay, go diving and dive into underwater lava tubes.

IslandMolokai

The most "quiet" of all the islands of the archipelago. On it you will not find resorts, developed infrastructure or tall buildings. But your attention will definitely be attracted by the highest coastal cliffs in the world, Pali Molokai (1,200m), from which you will see a view that you will not find anywhere else in the world. You will also be offered hiking in the beautiful Halawa Valley, kayaking to coral reefs, horseback riding and cycling in the Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

National cuisine

Hawaiian cuisine is international in nature, and on the local menu you can see the best culinary features from all over the world. But, what is worth tasting a pig or a wild boar baked in an earthen oven at sunset, without fail with the national hula dance or with an enchanting fire show. The name of all this splendor is "luau".

What's a Hawaiian party without tropical cocktails? Mai-tai, Lover's flower, Tropical Hawaiian and all kinds of banana and mango cocktails are at your service.

Of course, the Hawaiian menu cannot do without seafood. It is worth trying the popular salad of smoked salmon "lamy lamy" with cayenne pepper, tomatoes and green onions. Battered scallops, squid salads and cutlets, crab meat - Hawaii is a paradise for fish lovers.

In local eateries "Plate lunch" is one of the most popular dishes. The composition is simple: meat with tereyaki sauce, Fried fish in batter and salad.

Hawaiians are very fond of using coconut in their delicious desserts: puddings, donuts, coconut milk jelly and kulolo casserole made from grated coconut and crushed taro corms.

Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Hawaiian Islands.

Honorary Consul of Russia in the State of Hawaii

4117 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816,

USA (1-808) 737-5248

HGIOL

Hawaiian Islands(or the Hawaiian archipelago, eng. Hawaiian Islands, hav. mokupuni o Hawaiʻi) is an archipelago of 24 islands and atollslocated in the northern part of the Pacific Ocean (between 19 ° and 29 ° north latitude). The archipelago is elongated from northwest to southeast and is of volcanic origin.

The islands got their name from the name of the largest island - Hawaii. Most of the islands of the archipelago are part of the state of Hawaii, USA (since 1959). Average coordinates of the islands: 21° 30' N. sh. and 158° W. d.

Story

The Hawaiian Islands were discovered for Europeans on January 18, 1778 by the famous English navigator James Cook during his 3rd voyage across the Pacific Ocean (here he died on February 14, 1779, when he returned for the winter after sailing in the North Pacific Ocean). Cook named them Sandwich Islands(this title was used until the end of the 19th century) in honor of the First Lord of the Admiralty, John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich.

By the time Cook arrived, the Hawaiian Islands had been inhabited by Polynesians for nearly a millennium and a half. A single point of view on the history of the settlement of the Hawaiian Islands has not yet developed. According to the most common view, the first Polynesians arrived from the Marquesas around 300 AD. BC, followed in about 1300 by settlers from Tahiti, who subjugated the first settlers and formed a more complex religious and social system on the islands.

The Europeans found several state entities on the Hawaiian Islands, which in 1810 merged into a single kingdom of Hawaii under the rule of Kamehameah I, who gained access to European weapons. The development of interest in the production of sugar cane led the United States at the end of the century to more active economic and political intervention in the affairs of the archipelago. The local population, faced with infections brought from outside, from which it had no immunity, experienced a mass extinction: by the end of the century, about 30 thousand people remained from the 300,000th Polynesian population. In their place, in 1852, the Hawaiian Agricultural Society brought the first batch of workers, 200 Chinese, to Honolulu. New parties soon followed. The Chinese were joined by Japanese, Filipinos, Koreans, as well as workers from Europe: the Portuguese from the island of Madeira, Germans and Norwegians.

In 1887, the armed detachments of the whites were forced to accept the "Bayonet Constitution". Since Liliuokalani, the last queen of the islands, tried to challenge the provisions of this "constitution", a group of natives of the islands of American origin, calling for help from American sailors from a ship in the bay, staged a coup in 1893 and overthrew the queen. A year later, the puppet Republic of Hawaii was proclaimed, with Sanford Dole as president. After the failure of a counter-coup attempt led by Hawaiian nationalist Colonel Robert William Wilcox, who never tired of rebelling against both monarchist and republican governments, it was only a matter of time before Hawaii joined the United States. In 1898, at the height of the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii and in 1900 granted it the status self-governing territory. When President William McKinley signed the "treaty" annexing the Hawaiian Islands, the local population managed to thwart its entry into force by presenting 38,000 signatures on a protest petition; in the end, the annexation was approved only by the adoption in both houses of Congress of the corresponding “Newlands Resolution” on July 4, 1898.

From 1901 to 1902, the first chairman of the Senate of the Hawaiian Islands was the populist revolutionary Nikolai Sudzilovsky-Russel, also known as Kauka Lukini (in Kanak "Russian doctor"), who during his tenure managed to carry out reforms in support of the Kanaks, but did not was able to resist the influence of the United States and was deprived of American citizenship for anti-American activities. The so-called "Big Five" - ​​5 companies that owned the sugar plantations of the islands and established their oligarchic control over local politics - made every effort to ensure that Hawaii had an unequal status within the United States, because in this way American labor laws did not apply to the islands.

Biology and ecology

Hawaiian rainforests

Life on the Hawaiian volcanic islands developed due to the sea and air influx of new species and their further evolution in almost complete isolation for 70 million years (the time of the formation of the first islands). The oldest of the surface islands is Midway (28.3 Ma).

The Hawaiian Islands are home to many endemic species (64% endemic among terrestrial species):

• mosses, club mosses and ferns - 61%
• flowering plants - 44%
• insects - 66%
• spiders - 62%
• shellfish - 95%
• birds - 62%
• mammals - 5%

Biological pollution of the islands

Population growth has led to a decrease in the area of ​​​​forests, an increase in the number of steppes and a general deterioration in the state of the environment. Agriculture monoculture type has replaced multi-species systems.

The arrival of the Europeans late XVII - early XIX centuries has led to the emergence of new species, diseases, the development of large-scale agricultural monoculture production and animal husbandry for the purpose of exporting products. In turn, this led to even more intensive deforestation, which, combined with the rapid growth of cities, led to another round of environmental problems. Currently, a large number of endemic species of flora and fauna are on the verge of extinction.

Climate

Hawaii is often referred to as the "rainbow islands"

The temperature fluctuates between +29°…+32 °C in summer and +18°…+21 °C in winter. Very rarely the temperature rises above +32 °C or drops below +16 °C. In the mountains, the temperature is significantly lower, and Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala sometimes snow in winter.

Hurricanes

hurricane season(tropical cyclone) in the Hawaiian Islands lasts from approximately mid-June to November, when tropical storms are most likely in the North Pacific. Typically, these storms originate off the coast of Mexico (especially the California peninsula) and move west or northwest towards the islands.

Hawaii is protected by the vastness of the Pacific Ocean from the direct impact of hurricanes, as a hurricane loses its destructive power if it moves north into colder waters. It is believed that the profile of the most elevated islands (Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii) can protect them, and certainly Kauai has been hit by hurricanes more often than other islands in the last 50 years.

Tsunami

The Hawaiian Islands are at risk from ocean tsunamis, which come mainly from the north. City

The Hawaiian archipelago, the fiftieth state of the United States, is located in the central part of the Pacific Ocean and consists of 162 islands, only seven of which are inhabited. The islands have fantastic nature - palm trees and tropical flowers, wide beaches and stable fine weather.

How to get to Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are the largest transport hub in the North Pacific Ocean, through which the routes connecting the United States and Canada with the states pass. East Asia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.

It is most convenient for Russian tourists to make a regular flight to Los Angeles, then an internal flight to Honolulu (~ 5 hours). If tourists are heading to the islands of Hawaii, Maui or Kauai, the flight is also to Los Angeles, then an internal flight to the desired island with a mandatory landing in Honolulu.

A flight from New York or Chicago will take 9-10 hours, it can also be reached from Japan in about 7 hours, but this option is considered more expensive. An American visa to visit Hawaii is required: 160 USD. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

You can also get to Hawaii by cruise ship from the coast of the United States. As a rule, ocean liners depart from Los Angeles (USA) or Vancouver (Canada), such a trip lasts three days and will cost you about the same money as a flight.

Search for flights to Honolulu (nearest airport to Hawaii)

Weather in Hawaii

The climate on the islands is humid and tropical. From May to November, tropical cyclones bring precipitation, but these rains are not prolonged, there are many hours of sunshine even during this period. There is no suffocating heat on the islands.

Resorts

One of the main advantages of Hawaii is its diversity. All islands are different in landscape and vegetation, each has its own characteristics. For example, on the island of Oahu there is a very developed tourist infrastructure, there are practically no “wild” places there. The island of Hawaii or Big Island is interesting for its Volcanoes National Park. And the island of Maui, thanks strong winds attracts windsurfers.

Transport

You can travel between the islands by ferry or plane of local airlines, which is expensive and not always convenient. Inside the islands - by taxi, rented car or regular buses. Car rental in Hawaii will cost from 55 USD/day.

Hotels and resorts

There are no all-inclusive hotels in Hawaii. Tourists have a choice to stay in the so-called resort - a large hotel with swimming pools, restaurants and parks on the territory, or rent an apartment at the time of arrival. Moreover, apartment complexes are not much inferior to hotels in terms of infrastructure - they are located near the beaches, with pools in picturesque corners. The cost of accommodation in an apartment or "resort" - from about 150 USD per day.

Diving in Hawaii

The most popular diving island is Maui. In its coastal waters colonies of corals grow and a lot of colorful fish and sea ​​turtles. In the western and southern coastal waters of the island, you can also snorkel in shallow water. To the southwest of Maui lies the microscopic crescent-shaped island of Molokini, which, thanks to the richness of the underwater world, has received the status of a specially protected natural area.

There are many diving centers on Maui where you can get training and get a PADI certificate.

Surfing

Hawaiian natives consider surfing a royal sport: for many centuries, only the local nobility had the right to carelessly cut on the board along the crests of the waves (by the way, using special oars-panicles for better stability and maneuverability). Today, crowds of surfers from all over the world have joined the blue-blooded people: “board sports” are one of the most popular Hawaiian entertainments.

Popular surf beaches include Pine Trees on the island of Hawaii, Kahaluu and Banyans for beginners, and Honolia for those who are confident on the board. On Kauai - Poipu Beach and Nahuilihuili Harbor on the south coast of the island, Tunnels Beach and Ganaley Bay in the north. Oahu invites surfers to ride the waves around Waikiki Beach and surf the giant waves of Waimea Bay. You can “surf” on the island of Maui on Hookipa Beach or in Honolua Bay (the latter is for professionals, the waves there are rather big and treacherous).

On any of the listed surf sites, lessons are offered with instructors: both for beginners and for those who want to improve their skills.

Hawaiian Islands located almost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in one of the most remote places on the planet. Hawaii and the continental United States are separated by 3800 km, and Hawaii and French Polynesia (the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora) 4500 km, to Japan - 6100 km. The easiest way to fly to the Hawaiian Islands is from Los Angeles - about 5 hours. From Japan about 7 hours.

Unfortunately, Russians need a US visa to visit the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii is an archipelago of islands owned by the United States.

The Hawaiian archipelago consists of 8 major islands:

Hawaii (Big Island), Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, and 124 small islands, including atolls, rocks, volcanoes, etc.

Map of the Hawaiian Islands

Capital of the Hawaiian Islands

The capital of Hawaii is the city of Honolulu, it is located on the island of Oahu.

History of the Hawaiian Islands

Little is known about the history of the Hawaiian Islands. In the III-IV centuries. the archipelago was settled by Polynesians who sailed to the islands in their fragile canoes. The first Europeans - Spaniards appeared in Hawaii only 1200 years later, but they were officially discovered by Cook in 1778. Cook and his sailors brought diseases to Hawaii, from which the natives had no immunity, as a result, over 100 years, the population of the islands decreased 10 times.
IN late XIX V. The United States was seriously interested in the Hawaiian Islands and their sugar plantations. With the direct participation of the state governments, the last Hawaiian queen Liliuokalani was overthrown, and the Hawaiian Republic was created. In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, the United States annexed Hawaii, granting it the status of a self-governing territory two years later. The first president of the Hawaii Senate was the Russian populist revolutionary Nikolai Russel-Sudzilovsky, he tried to organize an anti-American revolution on the islands, but it did not work out. However, the Hawaiian Islands did not become the 50th US state until August 21, 1959.

But half a century before that date, in 1908, Pearl Harbor, which had previously been an international port on the island of Oahu, turned into a US Navy base.

It was in this place that after the Japanese attack in December 1941, the Second World War began for the Americans.

Attractions of Hawaii

Volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands

The main attraction of Hawaii - Hawaiian Volcanic Park(HVNP- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), located on the island of Hawaii near the city of Hilo.

The UNESCO-listed park consists of two volcanoes - Kilauea (the most active volcano in the world) and Mauna Loa (the most massive mountain in the world), a museum dedicated to them, and petroglyphs scratched by ancient Hawaiians on frozen lava.

Maui island

The city of Lahaina on the island of Maui is the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, which has retained its colonial flavor. It also houses one of the largest trees in the world. 150 year old banyan turned into a tree-grove, under the canopy of which tourists and locals love to relax.

Oaha

In the capital of Hawaii Honolulu (Oaha)

tourists usually visit Iolani royal palace, Manoa Falls, located in a picturesque rainforest, Hanauma Bay (the crater of an extinct volcano), Layon Arboretum.

Especially popular is the crater of the extinct volcano Diamond head where they filmed the famous TV series Lost

Also interesting observation deck at Makapuu lighthouse, museum of Islamic art at the Shangri-La mansion. In the gardens of Moanalua the homestead of one of the Hawaiian monarchs is located, a festival is regularly held national dance hula and growing tree, which is the symbol of Hitachi.

Pearl Harbor

The world-famous Pearl Harbor is located on the island of Oahu. An excursion to Pearl Harbor usually includes a visit to the memorial, a story about a sad day for Americans on December 7, 1941. After that, you can see the US Navy from afar and either visit the ship museum battleship "Missouri" (the surrender of Japan was signed on it) or a memorial over the sunken ship Arizona.

More things to do in the Hawaiian Islands

The Hawaiian Islands are known all over the world, first of all, for their untouched nature and wonderful climate. Hawaii is the most popular among outdoor enthusiasts and aquatic species sports: diving, surfing, snorkeling, etc., the islands are also famous for their golf courses, which are considered among the best in the world.